NPR News Now – July 3, 2025, 7 PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Hurst
Produced by: NPR

President Trump's Tax Cut and Spending Bill Passes the House

[00:20] Jeanine Hurst reports that President Trump's substantial tax cut and spending bill narrowly passed the House of Representatives this afternoon. This legislation encompasses much of Trump's 2017 tax cuts, making them permanent, and introduces increased funding for immigration enforcement and defense. To finance these additions, the bill proposes cuts to Medicaid, clean energy initiatives, and other programs, potentially adding trillions to the federal deficit over the next decade.

[01:07] Scott Horsley from NPR elaborates on the bill's impact on different income groups:

"About 60% of the tax savings in this bill go to the top 20% of earners, that is people making more than about $217,000 a year."

Horsley further explains that while middle-income families will receive modest tax breaks, those at the lower end of the income spectrum might find themselves worse off. This is due to the reduction in safety net programs like Medicaid and food stamps, which could negate any tax savings they might receive.

DOJ Hires Former FBI Agent Linked to January 6th Capitol Attack

[01:31] Jeanine Hurst introduces a significant development within the Department of Justice (DOJ). The department has recruited a former FBI agent, Jared Wise, who was previously charged with aiding and abetting during the January 6th attack on the Capitol.

[01:45] Tom Dreisbach provides more context:

"Jared Wise urged rioters to kill police during the January 6 attack, saying kill them as they were being assaulted."

Despite pleading not guilty to multiple charges, Wise's trial was halted when former President Trump issued mass pardons to many involved in the Capitol riot. Now employed by the DOJ, Wise is reportedly part of the "Weaponization Working Group." The DOJ has not disclosed his exact role, but this move has raised eyebrows considering Wise's past actions.

Early Signs of a COVID-19 Summer Surge

[02:27] Jeanine Hurst turns to public health, discussing potential indicators of a COVID-19 resurgence this summer.

[02:34] Caitlin Rivers from Johns Hopkins comments:

"The number of people catching COVID in the US is still very low, but some epidemiologists say they're seeing what could be the first hints of this year's summer surge."

[02:48] Rob Stein adds:

"Covid is quiet across the country right now, but I am seeing some little signs that we may be in the earliest days of the summer wave."

Rivers notes slight increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in states like Florida and Hawaii, alongside a marginal rise in virus levels detected in wastewater. She advises the public to remain cautious by masking in crowded places and considering an additional booster shot to mitigate potential spread.

Del Monte Foods Files for Bankruptcy

[03:15] Jeanine Hurst reports that Del Monte Foods, a staple in the canned goods market for nearly 140 years, has filed for bankruptcy protection. The company attributes its financial struggles to strategic missteps during the pandemic, a fluctuating global economy, escalating costs, and recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

The bankruptcy filing indicates that Del Monte plans to sell nearly all of its assets to navigate its economic challenges. Notably, approximately 80% of the steel used in their canned products is sourced internationally, making the company particularly vulnerable to import tariffs and global supply chain disruptions.

Astronomers Discover Interstellar Comet Entering the Solar System

[04:03] Nell Greenfield Boyce shares an exciting astronomical discovery:

"The comet was found by the NASA-funded Atlas Survey telescope, which is located in Chile."

This icy comet is only the third interstellar object ever identified, making it a rare opportunity for scientists to study material from another star system firsthand. Currently positioned about 420 million miles from Earth, astronomers are mobilizing to observe its size and physical characteristics using advanced telescopes. NASA has assured the public that the comet poses no threat to our planet. After passing close to the sun in September, the comet will become less visible but is expected to reappear in December, allowing for further study.

Market Update

[04:51] Jeanine Hurst provides a brief financial update:

"Higher by the closing bell, the Dow up 344 points."

The stock market showed a positive trend today, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining significant ground by the end of the trading session.

Stay informed with NPR News Now for the latest updates every five minutes.